Presents and Presence

We have participated in the Eucharist (Mass) our whole lives. But when was the last time we invested time to embrace with our minds and hearts the beauty and profound meaning of the liturgy? As ushers, lectors, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, we need periodically to refresh our understanding of this central encounter with the Lord. When we open ourselves to the surprise and joy of the Eucharist in our own lives, we can help unfold its meaning to our fellow parishioners: to be the Body of Christ to the world.

This program consists of three sessions:

Session 1: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner – the Eucharist as an all-inclusive meal of the Kingdom of God

Session 2: Gifting and Re-gifting – the Eucharist as a “sacrifice” of self-giving – God’s and ours

Session 3: The Real Presence – the mystery of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist experienced through faith

The sessions include small-group conversation as well as lecture. We will have the opportunity to connect the Mass to our own lived experience and to ponder how our roles in it as ushers, lectors, and EMs can help manifest the presence of Christ among us.